Stern test awaits the Tendulkar clone

In a nutshell, it’s a Herculean task for Virender Sehwag. But for more clarity, let’s convert this word into figures. Delhi need a...

In a nutshell, it’s a Herculean task for Virender Sehwag.

But for more clarity, let’s convert this word into figures. Delhi need another 174 for victory with five wickets in hand. Today, Sehwag got 98 off the 159 runs that Delhi scored; tomorrow he needs to almost repeat this performance. However, it’s easier said than done. To perform an encore, Viru will have to manoeuvre the chase in the company of teammates (read tailenders). And the pressure of protecting them from a charged up rivals eyeing the Ranji final will by no stretch of imagination be easy.

In simple terms, Sehwag needs a double ton to ensure a memorable Delhi victory. But the bigger question is: Does he have it in him? Today we saw the Sehwag we know: 19 fours and a six in his unbeaten 98. It was just another day at the office for the Najafgarh man. The final day will be a sterner test for Sehwag. Pressure and expectations are the two rivals who will test Sehwag more than the ones with the ball in their hands.

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Impetus, impulsive and balastic are some of the adjectives which we often associate Sehwag with. But the test tomorrow will show if he is also matured and responsible enough with true leadership qualities. So what if he isn’t the captain of Delhi, but here is an opportunity to justify the decision of national selectors giving him the chance to lead the country in the recent Dhaka tri-series.

Sehwag had played such knocks before he became an international sensation. His 187 against Punjab in 1999-2000 despite a running fever and dehydration is still part of the Delhi Ranji folklore and there are many in the Tamil Nadu camp who will remember his 274 against South Zone at Agartala in the same season. But sadly, his highest Ranji score of 187 didn’t ensure a victory for his team. So, making tall scores is not a problem for him but his performance in crunch games is still to be tested.

From the last Test series in New Zealand it had became clear that Sehwag as an international opener was a suspect. Lower down the order he could be a big asset where protecting the tailenders and quick scoring are the qualities he is blessed with. At Kotla, a similar task awaits him.

Sehwag has a chance to prove that he is somebody who doesn’t just score big tons but win matches. Tomorrow we will find out if Sehwag happens to be an updated clone of the original master blaster who at times develops snags when the heat is on.